MEDIA RELEASE

Submissions received on transport priorities

For immediate release:Friday 1 May2009

Improved public transport, more cycling projects and higher prioritisation for the Katikati Bypass were identified as key transport priorities according to public submissions received on Environment Bay of Plenty’s draft Regional Land Transport Programme.

The regional council asked for public feedback on the transport projects that should be the highest priority for completion over the next three years. Fifty submissions were received by deadline yesterday.

Other roading projects communities wanted advanced were safety improvements along SH2 between Katikati and Tauranga and traffic issues in Te Puke.

“There was general support for the issues and priorities we identified under the Programme so it’s good to know we’ve got it about right,” said Transport Policy Manager Garry Maloney.

“There was also recognition among submitters that we need to get our transport projects in the right order for the region’s economic benefit and in order to provide for population growth.”

The draft Regional Land Transport Programme lists all projects city and district councils want completed over the next three years and covers not just roads but bus services, bus stops, footpaths and cycle lanes.

Among the top ten projects in the draft Programme are Tauranga Eastern Motorway (from Te Maunga/Bay Park to Paengaroa), Rotorua Eastern Arterial, Harbour Link (second bridge between Tauranga and Mt Maunganui) and Omokoroa Intersection with SH2.

“Public feedback is vital to getting our transport options in the right order and I’m pleased people took the time to tell us what they think so we can factor that into our decision-making,” Mr Maloney said.

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